Marahau is the gateway to exploring Abel Tasman National Park, renowned for its stunning beaches, lush bushlands, and calm waters. Unlike many other nature spots, Marahau’s compact size and close proximity to the park make it an ideal base for walking and kayaking tours that combine land and sea adventures. Whether you’re after a relaxing day or a multi-day trek, the tours here are thoughtfully designed to deliver authentic experiences with excellent guides and top-notch scenery. We especially like the Kayak & Walk tour—its seamless mix of paddling and hiking, along with the opportunity for a beachside lunch, makes it a standout. Plus, the hassle-free transfers from nearby Nelson or Motueka mean you can focus on enjoying the day.
If you’re planning your trip, you’ll find options suited to all levels of fitness and interests. Some tours focus more on kayaking, like the Marahau: Abel Tasman Kayaks Kayak and Walk, which takes you past 12 beaches and seals, while others, like the 3 Day Kayak & Walk North, offer an immersive multi-day journey. Below, we detail each of these fantastic choices to help you decide which fits your style.
1. Kayak & Walk
Starting with a kayaking adventure around the islands of Abel Tasman, this tour offers impressive water views and wildlife encounters. The day begins with a guided kayak trip, exploring the coast and Adele Island, where spotting seals is common. After an energizing lunch by Observation Beach, a scenic hike guides you through bush trails, passing streams and vantage points along the coast. This tour is perfect if you want a balanced mix of water and land exploration, with the added convenience of pickup and transfers from Nelson or Motueka.
What makes this tour unique is the combination of guided sea kayaking and a walk, allowing you to experience both the marine and terrestrial sides of Abel Tasman in one day. The guides are praised for their friendly assistance, even for those new to kayaking, which adds a layer of comfort for beginners. The scenic hike back along the Tasman Track completes the package with breathtaking views and fresh air.
This tour delivers solid value at around $140 per person and often receives top reviews, with travelers appreciating the well-organized itinerary and the variety of landscapes. It’s especially well-suited for active travelers who enjoy both paddling and walking, and who want all the logistics handled for them.
Bottom Line: A balanced, well-reviewed day of kayaking and hiking that offers great scenery, wildlife, and convenience.
2. Marahau: Abel Tasman Kayaks Kayak and Walk
This tour delivers a straightforward kayak-and-walk experience starting right from Marahau. The morning kicks off with a guided paddle from Marahau to Observation Beach, where you’ll enjoy the chance to see seals up close and paddle past 12 golden beaches. The focus on kayaking makes it an excellent option for those eager to spend significant time on the water. In the afternoon, you’ll swap your paddle for walking shoes, retracing your steps along the coast on the southern end of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track.
What makes this tour stand out is its simplicity and focus on water activities, perfect for those who prefer a dedicated kayaking experience with a manageable walk afterward. At $135 per person, it offers a good balance of value, especially for those wanting to maximize sea time and wildlife viewing. The reviews highlight the smooth organization and the beauty of the exploration, with many guests noting how accessible and enjoyable both parts are.
If you love being on the water and want a balanced day without overextending, this trip is a great pick. The combination of paddling past iconic beaches and walking in the park ensures a full but manageable experience.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for water lovers seeking a guided kayak and a scenic walk, with strong reviews and good value.
3. Southern Duo kayak & walk tour
For those eager to explore a lesser-known part of Abel Tasman, the Southern Duo tour offers an active day spent on water and land, focusing on the park’s southern sections. Starting at Marahau, you’ll first paddle around Adele Island, where fur seals often bask in the sun—an unforgettable wildlife encounter. After about two hours on the water, you’ll switch to hiking, walking through quiet bush trails to panoramic viewpoints, absorbing the sounds of native birds away from the hustle of roads and towns.
One of the key advantages of this tour—priced at around $103.89 per person—is its small group size (max 8 people), which means more personalized attention and flexibility. Guides are praised for sharing their knowledge passionately, making every stop educational and engaging. The tour balances moderate activity with scenic beauty, ideal for active travelers comfortable with a full day’s effort.
Guests love the diversity of experiences, with reviews mentioning the “superb” kayak and walk segments, accessible routes, and the chance to see sea life and bird species up close. The tour is best for those who are moderately fit, enjoy wildlife, and want a more intimate experience of Abel Tasman.
Bottom Line: A personalized, moderately challenging tour for wildlife lovers who want to see more secluded parts of the park.
4. Kayak & Pitt Head Nature Loop
This full-day adventure covers both Sea and land, combining kayaking, walking, and a water taxi on the Astrolabe Coast. Starting from Marahau, a professional guide shares insights into the area’s marine and forest ecosystems during a guided kayak session lasting about four hours. Afterward, you’ll hop on a water taxi to Pitt Head, where you can explore the nature loop on foot.
What makes this tour standout is its hybrid format: guided water activity followed by unguided exploration, giving you some independence while still benefiting from expert knowledge. Priced at $161.87 per person, it’s slightly more expensive but offers a well-rounded day with diverse environments. This tour is suitable for travelers eager for a comprehensive experience without staying overnight.
Guests appreciate the scenic coastline, the opportunity to explore the marine reserve, and the knowledgeable guides. Since the walk around Pitt Head is unguided, you can set your own pace, making it flexible for those who prefer a leisurely itinerary.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a full-day experience with both guided kayaking and independent walks along the coast.
5. 3 Day Kayak & Walk North New Zealand
If you’re looking for a multi-day adventure, this three-day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Abel Tasman. The first two days are spent kayaking from Marahau to Onetahuti, with all gear provided, while the third day involves walking from Onetahuti to Totaranui, followed by a water taxi back. This setup allows you to experience the park at a relaxed pace, soaking in the scenery and wildlife.
At $194.86 per person, the price includes all necessary equipment, full briefings, and the convenience of hot showers and Wi-Fi at the base—a nice touch after long days on the water or trail. Its appeal lies in the flexibility to explore at your own speed and the chance to see more of the park than a day trip could provide.
Reviewers mention the value of the experience for active travelers who enjoy kayaking, hiking, and planning their own pace. Since participants must be 14+, it’s better suited for teens and adults ready for a physical challenge.
Bottom Line: Perfect for independent, active travelers who want an immersive, multi-day Abel Tasman experience.
6. The Two Gods – Guided Kayak & Unguided Walk
This tour combines the spiritual symbolism of Tangaroa (God of the Sea) and Tane Mahuta (God of the Forest) with a flexible schedule. Starting at Awaroa or Onetahuti, you’ll kayak along the coast during optimal tide conditions, then switch to an unguided walk exploring the marine reserve and forest areas. The start and end points are carefully timed around tides to maximize the experience, making it a truly customized journey.
At $216.85 per person, it’s one of the pricier options, but the personalized approach and the chance to explore two key parts of the park make it worthwhile. The guides’ expertise enhances the experience with stories and insights about the natural and spiritual significance of the landscapes.
Guests appreciated the tailored experience and the opportunity to explore the best sections of Abel Tasman at their own pace. This tour suits travelers comfortable with independent navigation but who want expert input and a memorable setting.
Bottom Line: A flexible, spiritually themed adventure for those who appreciate tailored experiences and the chance to explore the marine and forest realms.
7. Abel Tasman Kayaks: 3 Day Kayak and Walk North
If you’re after a complete, self-guided adventure, this three-day tour provides everything you need to explore Abel Tasman independently. Starting from Marahau, you kayak to Totaranui on day one, walk from Onetahuti to Totaranui on day two, and then kayak and water taxi your way back over three days. The tour includes a full briefing, allowing you to plan your days at your own pace.
At $197 per person, the package offers great value for a multi-day experience, complete with hot showers and Wi-Fi at the base. Its flexible schedule suits travelers who prefer to set their own pace and enjoy the independence of exploring at their convenience. The tour is ideal for confident paddlers and hikers comfortable with planning their days.
While it’s less guided, the detailed instructions and support make it accessible for those with some experience in outdoor activities. This tour is perfect for independent travelers seeking a comprehensive, self-directed way to see Abel Tasman.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for independent adventurers who want to control their own schedule over multiple days.
$197 per person
How to Choose the Best Walking Tour in Marahau
When selecting your ideal tour, consider your fitness level, interests, and time availability. If you love being on the water and wildlife, the Marahau: Abel Tasman Kayaks Kayak and Walk offers a great balance. For those seeking a more personalized experience, the Southern Duo provides a small-group adventure. If you’re planning a multi-day holiday, the 3 Day Kayak & Walk North is ideal for enjoying Abel Tasman’s natural beauty at your own pace.
Budget-conscious travelers should consider the Southern Duo or 3 Day North, which provide excellent value for all-day experiences. For those with limited time, a half-day or single-day trip like the Kayak & Walk is perfect.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak summer months, to secure your preferred date.
Final Thoughts
Marahau offers a variety of walking, kayaking, and multi-day tours that showcase the best parts of Abel Tasman National Park. From relaxed day trips to energetic multi-day adventures, there’s something for every traveler. If you want a balanced day of kayaking and hiking, the Kayak & Walk is a top choice. For a more personalized experience, try the Southern Duo. And if you’re eager to spend several days exploring at your own pace, the 3 Day Kayak & Walk North offers a rewarding challenge.
Whatever your preference, early booking ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable adventures. Prepare to paddle, walk, and soak up some of New Zealand’s best scenery – Marahau makes it easy.